With the sudden and recent changes to rules and regulations affecting businesses in the Forbes Shire, and Australia as a whole, there has been much talk concerning job loss and a lack of resources Forbes residents would endure if business are forced to shut down in the face of an economic recession. The University of South Australia’s business growth expert, Professor Jana Matthews, has urged business to reassess their current model in order to survive these challenging times.

Jana says that the survival of business is dependent on the changes business owners make in adapting to the shift in the market. One crucial way in which Forbes businesses can maintain themselves is by “doubling down on winners,” meaning, business owners must assess which services or products are in demand, and identify a demographic of existing customers to target their marketing and focus on providing their most in demand services.

Social media has and will continue to play a fundamental role in shaping the way in which money and services flow throughout the community. By changing the way in which a service or product is offered, that is in line with the restrictions in place, employers are also able to retain staff by identifying and transferring their skills and resources to new positions.

Professor Jana Matthews goes on to advise businesses to identify “weak spots” by thinking critically to identify where the first cuts need to be made. It is time for business owners to lead with both their brains and hearts and have the courage to enter unchartered territory and implement change, no matter how daunting it may seem.

As government guidelines and laws constrict to curb the spread of COVID-19, more people are taking social distancing measures and following the advice to stay home unless attending an essential task. While this is a commendable sacrifice to ensure the health of individuals and the community, the limited social contact can impact our mental health. Isolation may trigger feelings of loneliness, anxiety, helplessness and depression, however, there are ways to protect and boost your mental health and immunity.

It is important to keep busy, if you have a hobby or household project you have been putting off, now is your chance to start and complete it. If you have always wanted to learn a new language or skill there are apps and websites that can be accessed for free and put the information you need right at your fingertips. Skillshare, Duolingo, Masterclass and Scholastic are offering free virtual classes during this time. Feeling that your time is being optimised can reduce feelings of anxiety and helplessness, so keeping routine with scheduled projects and hobbies can contribute to positive feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction.

If news and social media increase your anxiety, digital distancing may help to alleviate stress while giving more time to do more healthy and productive things like reading a book, practicing yoga or even dancing. It is also important to reach out to friends and family. No one is in this alone, so call friends, neighbours, family and talk. Hosting a digital party through a video conference can also lessen the social isolation people may feel.

There are many mental health services that can be accessed from home, offering phone and online services. Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, MensLine Australia, Open Arms, Lifeline and Suicide Call Back Services are just a few available in Australia. The most effective way to receive mental health support help is to ask for help.

Take a positive step for your wellbeing with a health check with our Pharmacist or Registered Nurse.

“With high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity being key risk factors for preventable illnesses, improving even one of these areas can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing,” said Pharmacist Sarah Hazell.

The Pharmacists or Registered Nurse at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies can check a range of indicators, including blood pressure, BMI and blood glucose and can discuss healthy lifestyle recommendations with you. “If our Pharmacist or Nurse picks up on anything that may need further assessment, we refer the patient to the Doctor.”

“Some people may like to monitor their blood pressure at home using one of our Omron blood pressure machines which provides an accurate reading,” said Sarah. “However, our Pharmacists and Registered Nurse are always available to conduct blood pressure testing and to provide information and advice.”

If you would like to know more about your health numbers, call in to Flannery’s or Life Pharmacies for a free ‘Healthy Numbers Check’, no appointment is necessary.

Live life well with Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies, Forbes.

More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in Western NSW Local Health District hospitals this year as part of their annual new graduate intake.

WNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Transition and Workforce Manager, Jackie Corliss, said the recruits are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers by 8,300, including 5,000 nurses and midwives, over four years.

In WNSWLHD the nurses and midwives will join hospitals at Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Forbes, Rylstone, Parkes, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren, and Mudgee. “The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics,” Jackie said.

This news must come as somewhat of a relief to Forbes residents. Since the Parkes Maternity unit has closed, Forbes Hospital continues to take on the maternity care for Forbes women as well as those from Parkes and some from as far as Condobolin. An astounding accomplishment with such a limited number of nurses and midwives, OBGYN’s and Anaesthetist’s being brought in from elsewhere. The lack of reliability and consistency is a concern for many.

It is no secret that healthcare in Western NSW is lacking in staff, resources and funding and this is all too apparent when one is faced with the results of such neglect. Hopefully Forbes will see significant, positive changes over the course of the plan.

Western NSW Local Health District is warning the public to take care against mosquito-borne viruses following recent heavy rains and associated flooding.

This increase in rain and flooding may result in an increase in mosquito breeding, particularly where there is pooled water. Much of the pooled water still remains in paddocks, on grassy roadsides and around the Ski Dam and Lake Forbes. Whilst being bitten is irritating, mosquitoes can carry disease such as Ross River, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis.

These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints. Symptoms usually resolve within several days, but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis can cause more severe symptoms such as encephalitis.

Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Manager Priscilla Stanley advises residents and visitors to take preventative action to avoid being bitten.

Priscilla suggests people should protect themselves by screening all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside, using spray when mosquitoes are inside and wearing appropriate clothing and using repellent when outdoors at dusk and dawn as this is when mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to have septic tanks professionally pumped if they were inundated by flood water and to ensure mesh is in place on septic vents.